King Tristan sighed and left, albeit reluctantly.
Rory arrived with a glass of water. “Can I get you anything else?”
Evelyn would have hugged him if she could stand up. “No… but I want you to ask Desirée to dance.”
A grin tugged at the corners of Rory’s mouth. “I’m working.”
“Then, as your queen, I command you to go dance with Desirée.”
Rory looked at his king for help.
Leo only shrugged. “Blame Evelyn if Damien gets mad.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Rory bowed to Evelyn before leaving.
Simon was still inside, but he was chatting with Josephine. Evelyn finished the glass of water and felt almost normal.
“Thank the gods you didn’t pass out,” Leo said. “Your father would’ve killed me.”
“I didn’t expect your mother to be so upset.”
“I don’t think either of them likes surprises.”
Damien popped back into the chapel. “So… does your new magic work yet?”
“We can try it.” Leo held his palm out. “Evelyn, can you see this?”
“If there’s supposed to be something in your hand,” she guessed, “then no. I don’t see anything.”
That’s disappointing. I’d hoped exchanging magic with Leo would fix me.
Leo lowered his arm. “Okay, still no illusions for you. How do I use Fire magic?”
Evelyn demonstrated by making each of her fingers resemble a lit candle.
“Looks easy enough,” Damien said. “Your turn, friend.”
Leo frowned at his hand. “It can’t be that simple.”
“Try it!” Evelyn encouraged.
“Use this.” Damien tossed Leo a handkerchief. “Try to burn it.”
Leo gripped the cloth, his brows furrowed in concentration. “I’m not sure—Shit!”
The handkerchief burst into flames. Leo dropped it and stomped the fire out, spreading black soot on the marble floor.
Damien snorted. “Is that what you meant to do?”
Leo scowled. “Obviously not!”
Evelyn pinched her arm to stop herself from laughing. “We can practice another time.”
Everyone stared at the newlyweds during their first dance, possibly wondering if they would collapse or explode from all their new magic. When nothing happened, the guests went back to enjoying the reception.
Real musicians were stationed outside so Evelyn could actually hear the music. She mostly stayed in Leo’s arms but saved a dance for her father and Damien. King Tristan was too emotional to really talk, but Damien caught her up on all the drama she’d missed.
Lord Stuart stood in a corner with a dazed but pleasant expression on his face. It seemed someone had slipped something extra into the lord’s wine, but no one could ever prove it was Damien. Lord Stuart could’ve been on the moon for all he knew. Two of Lord Robert’s children stole a glass of wine and were repeatedly dipping their fingers in it and wiping the liquid on Lord Stuart’s cream-colored trousers like fingerpaint. His intoxication allowed the Fontaine women to enjoy dancing. Rory and Desirée were inseparable, while Daphne had several dance partners.
